MP faces backlash over Post Office privatisation

by Emma Shahsvar. Published Mon 16 Mar 2009 18:24, Last updated: 2009-03-16

Preston MP Mark Hendrick could face a campaign to have him de-selected as Labour candidate before the next general election.

The move is being threatened after the MP is said to have refused to support local Royal Mail workers in a battle against the government's controversial part-privatisation scheme.

Preston MP Mark Hendrick has been warned that he will be opposed by some members of his own party if he fails to sign an Commons motion opposing postal privatisation.

Steve Fishwick, of the Communication Workers Union, CWU told how he has a showdown with the Labour MP over the issue.

Mr Fishwick said: "I took Mr Hendrick to one side in parliament and told him that we desperately needed his support against the privatisation.

"Be he told me that he fully believes in privatisation. He said that in his opinion it may not be the right time, but overall he thinks it is the right move.

"I warned him that he cannot expect us to back him at the ballot box if he doesn't support us.

"I want a new Labour candidate and so do a lot of people in Preston. We will do our level best to make his position an uncomfortable one."

The plans to part privatise Royal Mail is strongly opposed by the unions and many Labour MPs have signed an Early Day Motion opposing the proposals.

CWU official Mr Fishwick accused the MP of pandering to Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.

Mr Fishwick said: "One hundred and fifty Labour MPs have signed the motion to oppose privatisation. Mark Hendrick should be one of them.

"Instead Mr Hendrick is sitting on the fence as he always does. He is trying to get into Mandelson's good books. He is a careerist and doesn't care about the people of Preston."

Kevin Riley from Ribbleton, who has worked for Royal Mail for 32 years said: "I'm hugely disappointed with Mr Hendrick. All the lads are. We expected more.

"As our MP he should be sticking up for us and representing us. It angers me that our local MP does not care."

Lancashire County Council opposition Conservative Sharon Riley said: "The Royal Mail is a public service that should be kept public. They have moved with technology. To make these changes now would be disgraceful."

Mr Fishwick revealed that he is writing to the MP with an ultimatum demanding that he should sign the motion.

Mr Fishwick added: "If he does not sign it, I don't know what will happen next, but it will not be a good move for him."

Mr Hendrick declined to comment.





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